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Why I remember the Basilica in my planning:
The Basilica has always been there for me – the building, the sacred space, the community, the unquestioned welcome. In moments of great celebration and great pain, the Basilica was with me and kept me in loving care. All of that was possible because of those who came before me… those who cared enough to envision, create, nurture, grow, maintain, and restore the Basilica – for me.
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Restoring The Narthex
Restoration on the Narthex, a project funded by the Partners in Preservation grant The Basilica community was awarded after the Facebook contest, has just been completed!
Thank you to all who voted every day to help The Basilica Landmark win the grant to restore the Narthex. Be sure to check out the amazing and beautiful work the next time you visit.
The Narthex is The Basilica’s main entrance. Previous roof and wall leaks, which have since been repaired, and decades of votive candle smoke have taken their toll on the decorative interiors of this space. In the course of this project, the limestone walls were cleaned, returning them to their lighter original patina and brightening the space. Some stone repair was needed, including grouting and tuck pointing, which will have a visual as well as a structural impact. The ceiling paint was gently restored to its original beauty, including the decorative gold leafing. Minor plaster repair was performed to the areas in the ceiling affected by previous trapped moisture.
Based on the meticulous research and extensive on-site analysis already completed by The Basilica’s staff, general contractor and specialist subcontractors, this project will meet the highest standards of historical preservation work in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Thought this project includes the full restoration of the Narthex and the Sacristy at a later date, it is part of a larger effort for future restoration of The Basilica’s entire interior. The damage in these areas is also apparent in the main church sanctuary. The Narthex and Sacristy restoration will be a visual sample to indicate how the church’s interior could look after restoration.